MAXWELL ON THE TRACK
Maxwell separates from the pack at 2013 CIF State Track and Field Championships in Clovis.
Photo by Craig Morley
Maxwell did most of her conquering in 2012-13 during the track season, with one of the best seasons in Central Coast Section history.
Her best times in the 800 (2:09.34), 1,600 (4:42.57) and 3,200 (10:10.51) all surpassed one of the CCS’s all-time great distance runners, Alejandra Barrientos, to become the school record-holder. Barrientos’ times were 2:09.35, 4:44.43 and 10:11.56.
"To break all three as a junior is an amazing accomplishment," Collins said.
Maxwell set three school records last season.
Photo by Craig Morley
The crowning jewel of Maxwell's senior year was winning the state
1,600 under near 100-degree heat in Clovis. The day before during trials, also nearing triple-digit heat, it took a scorching 4:55 just to make the finals and all of the top runners hovered around 4:50.
That told Maxwell that her competitors were likely spent, so she took it out hard in the finals and basically broke the field in the first 800 while taking a 25-meter lead.
It was the same strategy she used at the CCS championships, where she ran her career best of 4:42.57. She won going away at state in 4:47.33 over runner-up and CCS rival Nikki Hiltz of Aptos in 4:48.07.
Two hours later, Maxwell gained enough energy to place third in the 3,200 — a fine finish — but she noted she was edged at the line by runner-up Sydney Segal (10:25.37).
That’s more incentive for 2013-14.
Maxwell earned a spot on the U.S. World Youth IAAF team that traveled to the Ukraine in July. The 14-day trip was a rich experience, said Maxwell, who was one of two U.S. runners to reach the finals of the 1,500. She finished ninth in 4:23.75.
"I was pretty tired by the end of the season," she said. "It was just great to compete against other girls from all over the world."
